Hello
I was hoping you could tell me what to look for regarding Type Coin Albums. I have one that is 1/2 cents to quarters and another one that is Half Dollars to Dollars. They both include the first US coins of each type from the late 1700's to the contemporary. I would like to replace them because they are worn out. Does anyone still make these comprehensive albums and if so what are they called specifically? I have found other albums that claim to be what I'm looking for only to fall a view coins short. Thank you, -S

Hi -S,
It sounds like you have a fantastic collection on your hands, congrats! You are correct that most "type set" albums today fall a few coins short. The only available option is to create a custom album but as to what/how depends on your perspective in regards to presentation, preservation and costs.

Always, remember that air, moisture, heat and contamination are the largest culprits for coin corrosion. So, when creating a custom album you should look for the best solutions that inhibit or prevent corrosion typically through some air tight storage method and balance it with your preference to looks, presentation, and costs. I’ll try to cover what I believe are the better alternatives for album storage.

Air-tites Coin Capsules & Albums
One of the best all around storage devices in regards to preservation and looks. The downsides here are bulkiness and cost. Since the capsules are larger than the coin itself you can imagine how few you can actually put on a single page so your collection will be split up into multiple albums. Depending on the size of your type set costs could range from $130 to $250.

Eagle Coin Storage Albums
Eagle has been producing some great new products lately that seem to provide a nice balance between preservation & presentation. From a protection stand point of view; these are very good as they use 2x2 no-pvc hard plastic holders that protect from corrosion and abrasion. They also make a type set album that starts with the year 1793 and as far as I know the only commercial album to do so. But these albums are not cheap (starting around $90 and can run as high as $120 if you want a custom album). Another problem is their choice of coin selection. They have chosen to have type coins from 1793 to 2010 but left out the statehood quarters and presidential dollars. Once more it looks like another companies type list may fall a few coins short for some collectors.

Coin Edge Albums
Similar to eagle storage except they do not have specific albums and labeling. Costs range from $80 to $100 but you have to provide a binder for the pages. My only concern is that this is a new holder from a new company so if they go bankrupt you may be out in the cold for future supplies.

Dansco Coin Stock Album with Slipcase
This is actually a combination of products that I use. I start with a Dansco Coin Stock Album and slipcase because I like the look, (it’s basically a Dansco album with mylar 2x2 pocket pages) for about $23. I then purchase a sheet of 2"x2" White Laser Printer Flip Inserts (available at Brent Krueger for $3) to create my own labels and insert them into each pocket. Finally, I encase each coin in a kointains capsule (approximately 120 coins ran $60) and I slide them into each pocket. This is my personal favorite as I can create my own labels and expand the set as I see fit and it looks professional thanks to my trusty laser printer. So basically this ran me about $83 but you don't have to buy all the holders at once so you can actually spread that cost over months or years.

Ken
I'm not sure if I got back to you or not. I ended up going with the Eagle Coin Storage Album for the 18th,19th and 20th Century Type set. I love it.
It's a very solidly made book and and it definitely adds a touch of class to the collection. It's a little pricey as you noted to me, but I believe it's
worth it. Thanks again for you guidence.
Steve